Before finals weekend, here is all you need to know about Eurovision 2023

In the grand tapestry of international events, the Eurovision Song Contest stands out as a shimmering spectacle of music, culture, and unity. Here is a brief crash course on the event.

With a rich history dating back to 1956, the annual Eurovison competition has captivated audiences across Europe and beyond. This delightful extravaganza serves as a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and create lasting connections between nations. 

The Birth of a Cultural Phenomenon

The Eurovision Song Contest emerged from the aftermath of World War II, when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) sought to foster harmony and camaraderie among European countries through the universal language of music. Inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy, the inaugural edition of Eurovision took place in 1956, drawing just seven participating nations. Since then, the contest has grown exponentially, now attracting an impressive array of more than 40 countries.

The Contest Format

The Eurovision Song Contest is a multi-stage event that culminates in a live, televised grand final watched by millions around the globe. The process begins with each participating country selecting an original song and artist to represent them. These entries are a reflection of the diverse musical tastes and cultural identities of the nations involved.

Semi-Finals

To ensure fairness and accommodate the vast number of participants, the contest comprises two semi-finals held in the preceding week of the grand final. During these semi-finals, the countries' performances are assessed by both national juries and the viewers at home through a public vote. The combined results determine the countries that will progress to the grand final.

The Grand Final

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is a spectacular showpiece that brings together the best of European music. Taking place in a different host city each year, this thrilling event sees the culmination of weeks of anticipation and preparation. Each qualifying country presents their song live on stage, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also the creativity and showmanship of their performance.

Voting Process

A unique and cherished aspect of Eurovision is the voting process, which provides an opportunity for viewers and juries to express their preferences. Following all the performances, each country assigns two sets of points: one from their professional jury and the other from the public televote. The jury votes are determined by music industry professionals, while the public votes are derived from phone and SMS voting.

The scoring system follows the "douze points" tradition, where countries allocate 12 points to their favorite song, followed by 10, 8, and so on, down to 1 point. These points are then combined, and the results are unveiled in a nail-biting sequence, building tension and excitement until the ultimate winner is announced.

Uniting Through Music

The Eurovision Song Contest transcends borders, politics, and language, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural exchange. It offers a platform for lesser-known artists to gain international recognition and encourages cross-cultural collaborations. Over the years, Eurovision has birthed numerous iconic performances and unforgettable moments, etching itself into the hearts of millions.

ABBA, the renowned Swedish group, rose to stardom after their triumphant victory in the 1974 Eurovision song contest. Their captivating performance of "Waterloo" propelled them to fame.

Similarly, Celine Dion's win for Switzerland in 1988 with her captivating rendition of "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi" (translated as "Don't Leave Without Me") marked the beginning of her successful career.

In 2022, the Eurovision song contest was won by Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra with their mesmerizing song titled "Stefania." However, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the United Kingdom, securing the second position, graciously agreed to host the event on Ukraine's behalf. Liverpool, renowned as the birthplace of the legendary band The Beatles, was chosen as the host city.

This week, the semi-finals were scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, allowing 31 out of the 37 participants to advance to the highly anticipated grand final on Saturday, May 13. Apart from Ukraine, the "Big Five" countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—automatically qualify for the final stage.

The first semi-final took place in Liverpool, where fifteen acts showcased their talents. Among them, ten acts secured their place in the final, while the remaining five unfortunately faced elimination. 

Here are those acts:

1. Norway: Alessandra with the song "Queen Of Kings"
2. Serbia: Luke Black with the song "Samo Mi Se Spava"
3. Portugal: Mimicat with the song "Ai Coração"
4. Croatia: Let 3 with the song "Mama ŠČ!"
5. Switzerland: Remo Forrer with the song "Watergun"
6. Israel: Noa Kirel with the song "Unicorn"
7. Moldova: Pasha Parfeni with the song "Soarele Si Luna"
8. Sweden: Loreen with the song "Tattoo"
9. Czechia: Vesna with the song "My Sister's Crown"
10. Finland: Käärijä with the song "Cha Cha Cha"

The next semi-final is set to take place today, featuring another fifteen acts competing for the opportunity to advance to the grand final on Saturday.

The final night on Saturday promises to be an exhilarating event, hosted by a dynamic quartet known as the "Fab Four": Graham Norton, Ukrainian musician Julia Sanina, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, and Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.